Extension Associate - Project FeederWatch - Lab of Ornithology

Extension Associate - Project FeederWatch - Lab of Ornithology

About Us

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a leading resource for conservation, research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. The Lab is part of Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The Center for Engagement in Science and Nature at the Lab provides opportunities for the public to participate in collaborative scientific research to study birds and support environmental stewardship. Project FeederWatch is a large participatory science program that engages more than 30,000 participants annually in the US and Canada.

The Lab is committed to an inclusive community and to fostering a healthy workplace that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds along with opportunities for growth and advancement. The Lab welcomes staff who are motivated to take on new challenges.

Position Function

Duties of the Project FeederWatch Leader position :

• Provide outreach and research direction for Project FeederWatch, a project involving more than 30,000 participatory scientists annually. Manage all aspects of project delivery in the U.S., collaborate with partners (e.g., Birds Canada), and direct the broad goals of the project.
• Interface with the Center’s tech team to maintain high-quality web and mobile platforms for engaging the public in scientific research.
• Pursue and implement external funding (e.g., National Science Foundation grants) to advance research and public engagement efforts.
• Initiate and guide ecological and / or social science research using FeederWatch data. Mentor students and collaborate with Lab and external scientists to publish results.
• Maintain the Open Access repository of FeederWatch data and analytical code for global use.
• Serve as the Lab’s primary voice in communicating science related to backyard birds and participatory science to media.
• Provide leadership within the Engagement Center to support learning and participation journeys.
• Supervise and inspire the team of staff and students working on FeederWatch.

Anticipated Division of Time

Public outreach and science communication : Engage more than 30,000 people annually in scientific research. Communicate the science from FeederWatch to participants, the public, and media. Write / edit the project’s annual report (Winter Bird Highlights). Promote the project through press interviews and articles. Provide public lectures as needed. (30%)

Project development : Grow and diversify the FeederWatch revenue stream. Maintain revenue above $500,000 annually. Contribute to fundraising proposals. Collaborate with the Lab’s Advancement team for corporate sponsorships. Develop strategies for recruiting new participants. Build partnerships with international organizations (e.g., Birds Canada). Coordinate with the Center’s tech team on priority tech development. (20%)

Project management : Oversee day-to-day operations, contribute to programmatic vision, manage budgets, supervise staff and volunteers, conduct performance reviews, hire / train as needed, and track participation and goals. (30%)

Scientific Research : Collaborate on research with Lab or external scientists, provide data and guidance for external researchers, document best practices, seek new grant funding, publish results, and maintain an independent undergraduate-engaged research program. (20%)

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

Supervision Exercised

Supervise Project FeederWatch staff, including project assistants (currently N = 3) as well as volunteers, interns, and undergraduate students involved in research and outreach.

To apply

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online : Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references. Application review will begin May 5, 2025 and continue until a suitable applicant is identified. CALS hiring range for this title is $75,000 - $82,000.

EEO Notice

Cornell University is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of legally protected status. We encourage people from historically underrepresented and / or marginalized identities to apply. We comply with applicable laws and policies related to employment and affirmative action.

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